Nov 27th, 2025

A decade after its launch, 10KSA stands as one of the region’s most influential health awareness movements, shaped by the leadership and vision of Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud. Her commitment to women’s health, community empowerment, and global awareness has transformed the initiative from a one day activation into a national movement felt far beyond the borders of the Kingdom. This tenth anniversary is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the power of collective action when purpose meets leadership.

As 10KSA marks ten years, Gems of Arabia sits down with Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud to reflect on the initiative’s evolution, impact, and global resonance. What began as an ambitious idea in 2015 continues to grow, shaping conversations around prevention, early detection, and community driven health advocacy. Below is our exclusive Q and A.

Your Royal Highness, ten years on, what inspired the creation of 10KSA and what does this milestone represent today

When we founded 10KSA, the idea was simple and powerful. Raising awareness begins with knowledge. It begins with understanding the facts, taking personal steps toward prevention, and coming together as a community. A decade later, that vision has only grown stronger. We wanted to create a movement that touched every household and encouraged individuals to take charge of their health. This milestone represents continuity, commitment, and collective action.

The Guinness World Record in 2015 remains an unforgettable moment. How did it shape the identity of 10KSA?

The record was never about numbers. It was about unity. When more than 13,000 women attended and 8,962 stood together in unity. to form the largest human awareness ribbon, it was a statement of strength and solidarity. That day created a visual and emotional legacy for 10KSA. It showed what is possible when people come together for a shared purpose.

This year the campaign uses lavender rather than pink. Why was this shift important?

In earlier years, pink was chosen to highlight breast cancer awareness. Today, we want to honor all cancer journeys. Lavender is recognized around the world as the color that represents all cancers. It carries every story, every experience, and every battle. By choosing lavender, we extend our message to everyone

What are the most important facts people should understand about cancer risk and prevention?

Many people are surprised to learn that inherited genes account for only a small percentage of cancer cases, between five and ten percent. This is an important reminder that the choices we make truly matter. When we take control of the things we can influence, we not only lower our risk. We also give ourselves a much better chance at successful treatment. Prevention, early screening, and healthier lifestyles are essential.

How does the theme Together for Health reflect the mission of this tenth anniversary?

Together for Health is both a message and a promise. We want people to take charge of their personal health and encourage those they love to do the same. On December 8, we invite everyone to form a Lavender Ribbon and share it with the world. Whether in workplaces, schools, or homes, the idea is to make participation easy, visible, and meaningful.

Why was it important to mark this milestone on a weekday?

Because we want full participation. When the activation takes place on a weekday, people can take part wherever they already are. Offices, universities, classrooms, hospitals, and homes all become spaces of awareness and connection. This anniversary belongs to everyone.

How can individuals and communities become involved?

We created a toolkit available at ten K S A dot org in the Resources section. It includes educational material, guidelines for early screening, lifestyle recommendations, and instructions on forming a Lavender Ribbon. It also provides digital assets to support social media engagement. Participation should feel simple and accessible.

What activities will take place across Saudi Arabia on December 8?

Communities across the Kingdom will take part in activities that reflect both awareness and growth. One symbolic gesture is the planting of ten thousand lavender bushes in the Aseer region. It represents healing, renewal, and the enduring spirit of this campaign.

Who are the partners supporting 10KSA this year?

We are deeply grateful for the support of national entities including the Ministry of Health, the Ministerial Committee of Health in All Policies, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, the Aseer Development Authority, Al-Arabiya and the Environment Fund. We are also supported by our partners ROSHN Group, Arab National Bank, Mukatafa, Morooj, and webook. Their commitment reflects a shared responsibility toward public well being.

The Lavender Ribbon: A New Symbol for a New Decade

A simple act with profound meaning. On December 8, individuals across the Kingdom are encouraged to form a Lavender Ribbon in workplaces, campuses, homes, and communities. Each Lavender Ribbon becomes a visual statement of unity, awareness, and shared responsibility.

It is a moment designed to travel far beyond one day. It is a shared gesture that reminds us that health is a collective effort. The Ribbon carries every story and honors every journey, making this anniversary a living symbol of compassion and connection.

Closing Reflection

As our conversation with Her Royal Highness comes to a close, one truth becomes clear. 10KSA is not simply a health initiative. It is a movement rooted in compassion, knowledge, and community. It is a reminder that awareness begins with understanding, prevention begins with action, and healing begins with unity.

At the heart of 10KSA is a belief that communities become stronger when they are informed, supported, and united. This vision, championed by Princess Reema, continues to guide the movement into its next decade.

10KSA also serves as an example for the world, demonstrating how local action can spark global understanding. The Kingdom stands at the forefront of health awareness, inviting people everywhere to join in a mission where knowledge empowers and community heals. Together, we stand. Together, we act. Together, we build a healthier future for all.

Key Messages

• Early detection saves lives. The earlier cancer is found, the greater the chance of successful treatment.
• Inherited genes account for only a small percentage of cancer cases. Most risk factors are linked to lifestyle choices and routine screening.
• Knowledge is the first step to prevention. Understanding the facts allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health.
• Community plays a powerful role in health awareness. When people come together, the impact reaches far beyond individual action.
• Lavender is the global color that represents all cancers. This year’s campaign honors every journey and every story.
• Routine check ups and screenings are essential. Regular medical attention can reduce risk and lead to early intervention.
• Taking control of the factors we can change empowers us. Health begins with daily choices and personal responsibility.
• Participation is for everyone. Whether at home, at work, or in school, joining the Lavender Ribbon movement is simple and meaningful.
• 10KSA provides accessible tools for all. The official toolkit includes educational content, instructions, and resources to support awareness events.
• A healthier future begins with us. Collective action builds a stronger, more informed, and more compassionate society.